Benbecula picnic spot

Last night our wonderful bed and breakfast host suggested that we might like to delay our departure this morning to avoid cycling in the wet. When we woke to rain pelting against our bedroom window, and then saw the weather forecast, we accepted her kind invitation. This allowed for another game of Scrabble before we set off for the 45 mile ride to Lochboisdale. I won this, so now the series score is 7-7.

The storm passed by midday, so we loaded up the bikes again, said our goodbyes, and headed south. It was a really beautiful ride, with sunshine the whole way. The wind was a bit fierce in places, but we didn't mind because without it, we would have been cycling in the pouring rain. I have blipped our picnic stop in Benbecula (which no longer hates us!)

Our joy at completing the cycle ride was crushed on arrival at Lochboisdale Hotel when the staff told us that our CalMac ferry to Mallaig tomorrow is cancelled due to forecast stormy weather (see the extra). This means that we are stranded in Lochboisdale until Friday at least, and will miss one of our nights with Paddy and Caitlin in Arisaig. (We could, of course, be held here for longer.) We are very disappointed that the wheels have fallen off our holiday plans.

Exercise today: 45 mile cycle ride.